JJ Abrams is in discussions to produce a film based on the Japanese Micronauts toyline, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Hasbro has acquired the US rights to the franchise, which started in Japan in 1974 under the name Microman. The interchangeable action figures also appeared in comic books published by Marvel, Image and Devil's Due.

Abrams said that doubts about a toy or board game's suitability for feature film adaptation will soon be proved wrong.

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"When someone is not a celebrity and you are casting them in a role, everyone who is in a seat of authority voices questions about that actor's talent, sex appeal, looks, ability - their everything," he explained. "But then they get the role, and suddenly they are on the cover of every magazine, and nobody questions those things again. In retrospect, everyone says, 'Of course that person is a star.'"

Abrams is also developing low-budget film 500 Rads, to shoot in Europe next year.